How many GA school absences are too many? Here’s when parents could face jail time

If you think your school-aged child can skate by with a few too many sick days, Georgia law may have other ideas. Missing too much school isn’t just a bad practice, it could land parents in big trouble.

Parents may think they have the final say when it comes to how much school their children can miss, but if a parent allows too many absences without valid reasons, they are subject to truancy laws and could face some serious repercussions.

Georgia has compulsory education laws which require children, ages 6 to 16, to attend school in some form for 180 days or 900 hours of instruction, and is considered truant after only five unexcused absences.

What happens after five absences in GA?

When a student meets the threshold for unexcused absences, schools must take the following steps:

• Make two reasonable attempts to contact the parents
• Send a notice by certified mail or first-class mail if previous attempts fail
• Deliver a letter by hand or certified mail notifying the family of the consequences of further absences
• Hold a truancy intervention meeting

What are the penalties for excessive absences in Georgia?

The consequences for truancy can be quite serious for both the parents and the students.

For parents/guardians:

• Misdemeanor charges
• Fines ranging from $25 to $100
• Imprisonment for up to 30 days
• Community service
• Any combination of the above penalties

For students:

• Loss of driver’s license
• Inability to obtain a work permit
• Potential involvement with the juvenile justice system
• Possible assignment to a probation officer or legal advocate

What is the difference between excused and unexcused absences?

The criteria varies from state to state, but in Georgia excused absences are those set forth by the Georgia Department of Education and individual school boards.

The following circumstances are usually considered excused absences:

• Illness or symptoms that endanger the students’ health
• Serious illness or death in the immediate family
• Observance of religious holidays
• Compliance with a court order or governmental agency mandate
• Military-related absences (up to 5 days per school year)
• Voting or registering to vote (limited to one day)
• Conditions rendering attendance dangerous or impossible

There are some exceptions to the mandatory GA attendance laws

• Completion of high school requirements (even if under 16)
• Home study programs that meet state requirements
• Private school attendance (as long as it meets state requirements)
• Qualifying physical or mental conditions

It is really important for parents to educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to school attendance. Although parents have some discretion in excusing absences, there are limits to what the school or district can allow.

This story was originally published July 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "How many GA school absences are too many? Here’s when parents could face jail time."